Two sisters. Three kids. Star Wars.

Easy 30 minute Rey costume tutorial

I have to admit something. We have seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens four times. That’s not the confession. The confession is that by the second time, I found myself getting distracted during the movie thinking about how to make a Rey costume. I took mental inventory of what we had at home and what we might need to buy/make. By the fourth showing, this is what our daughter wore. It’s a combo of modified basics (bought on super sale) and very simple cutting and sewing – all could be done without a machine. After assembling the materials, the entire process took about 30 minutes – including the hair!

We started by doing a bit of shopping. We scored a long-sleeved tee and boots on clearance at Old Navy and socks at Target. The gauze was at Jo-Ann fabrics and we had everything else on hand. Here is the loot before:

If you are looking for similar items in 2016, here are some quick links: boots (Old Navy), tee (Amazon), leggings (Amazon), socks (Amazon).

Next, we brought out the scissors:

If you cut the socks just above the heel, they are a great length for arm warmers. We cut the sleeves just past the seam to give an even edge. With those pieces ready to go, we pulled out the gauze, felt and webbing for the last four pieces.

Measure your Rey and cut the webbing in two lengths that will fit around their waist with at least six inches to spare (we used about 30″ each to start).

Next, cut the felt into one 5 x 11″ rectangle with a rounded top; one 4 x 8″ rectangle, one 2 x 6″ rectangle, one 1 x 4″ rectangle and a thin strip.

Now, lay out the webbing pieces side by side and slightly overlap and pin together in the middle (see photo above). Starting at the pin, sew the pieces together for about two inches and set aside.

For the waist bag, fold the bottom (straight) edge of the rectangle up and pin just below the curved section. Pin and then sew the sides together. Fold the top down, turn it over and cut two small (one-inch slits) into the back of the bag just below the top. Then lace the bottom piece of webbing through as shown below.

For the cool cuff, stack the three smaller rectangles and thin strip as shown above and glue together with a glue gun.

Now, all you need to do is add the Velcro. Either stick or sew Velcro to close the bag, attach the cuff, and to attach both levels of the belt. Use your Rey to measure for the best Velcro positioning and then trim the ends.

Done! Let’s put it all together. After your Rey has put on the base layer (top, pants and boots), start wrapping the gauze from behind their right shoulder, crossing in front, looping around the left shoulder and crossing back across the front (a big figure eight). Secure it with the belt. Add the arm warmers and cuff and have fun!

We have a girl about the same age (in addition to a boy) and we post DIY Star Wars ideas all the time on our blog, so we have a similar niche (check it out!) – and I can’t wait to see what else you post here! With a name like Galactic Glitter, it has to be good 🙂 Welcome to the blogging community!

Thank you so much! We just popped by your blog and will definitely be spending more time there soon. You’ve done some great things! We’re so glad to see more Star Wars loving girls (and grown girls) out there…